For companies that see transportation as a by-product of their core business — or even as a necessary evil — moving to a dedicated contract carrier (DCC) may be a good option.
Operating a fleet extends far beyond loading a truck with your product and delivering it to distribution centers and customers. Simply staying in compliance with Department of Transportation requirements can require the addition of an entire department. The appropriate staffing and expertise, along with the ever-changing government regulations, personnel shortages, and technological developments (especially around alternative-fueled vehicles) make it increasingly complex for businesses to operate their own fleet efficiently.
A dedicated contract carrier (DCC) is the perfect solution for businesses that are ready to say goodbye to the pain points of a private fleet and hand that responsibility over to a team of trustworthy transportation and logistics professionals. By choosing to contract with a dedicated carrier, businesses gain a qualified team prepared to manage and run the entire logistics process including freight management, vehicle maintenance, staffing, compliance, risk management, and the responsibility of safely and efficiently delivering your product.
The DCC model removes the headache of maintaining and servicing trucks. A dedicated contract provider takes on the responsibility of all fleet maintenance, repair, and detailing. The safety of the driver is the highest priority, and professional drivers rely on their equipment to perform as it was designed, which is why preventive maintenance and regular yard checks are of the utmost importance. Additionally, trucks are customized and built to the customer’s requirements, including any requested branding. A DCC recognizes the importance of brand image and will take pride in their customer’s fleet, keeping it clean, safe and effective.
The DCC provider acts as the transportation arm of their customer's business and becomes a valuable, invested partner in the success of the company. They will work with you to create a customized, logistics system specific to your transportation and business needs. This allows management to focus on its primary business rather than worry about all the ancillary issues associated with the delivery of its product.
The bottom line is that a dedicated contract carrier improves efficiency and transfers liability for the transportation function, leaving a business free to concentrate its efforts and investments on the growth and success of their company.